Forklift Glossary of Terms

Mast - the vertical assembly made up of interlocking rails that does the work of raising and lowering the load. It may be mounted to the front axle or the frame of the forklift.

Carriage - the component to which the forks or other attachments mount. It is mounted into and moves up and down the mast rails by means of chains or by being directly attached to the hydraulic cylinder.

Air Pneumatic Tires - relatively larger tires filled with air or foam that are meant for use on rougher surfaces and outdoors.

Solid Pneumatic Tires - relatively larger tires that are solid rubber that are meant for use on rougher surfaces and outdoors.

Cushion Tires - relatively thinner tires that can be smooth or treaded. Meant for use indoors on smooth surfaces.

Overall Lift Height - the maximum height the forks can lift to.

Lowered Height - the overall height of the machine when the carriage and mast are completely down.

Sideshift - an attachment that allows the operator to move the carriage back and forth using a hydraulic lever.

Fork Positioner - an attachment that allows the operator to move the forks back and forth using a hydraulic lever.

Overhead Guard - a metal roof supported by posts at each corner of the cab that helps protect the operator from any falling objects.

Load Backrest - a rack-like extension that is either bolted or welded to the carriage in order to prevent the load from shifting backward when the carriage is lifted to full height.

Tilt Cylinders - hydraulic cylinders that are mounted to the truck frame and the mast. The tilt cylinders pivot the mast to assist in engaging a load.

Counterweight - a mass attached to the rear of the forklift truck frame. The purpose of the counterweight is to counterbalance the load being lifted. In an electric forklift the large lead-acid battery itself may serve as part of the counterweight.